Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Strolling Along Fifth Avenue

Actually, the title of this post is probably fairly inaccurate as there was no actual "strolling along" possible when Amanda and I were in New York City on New Year's Day. The number of other people crowded on the sidewalks of one of New York's more famous streets made it downright impossible to stroll, saunter, leisurely walk, or amble. Instead it was more like being inside a pinball game and dodging people every step of the way!

Still, what does one expect when in New York during a holiday - particularly the day after a holiday where thousands of people cram themselves into a relatively small area to watch a ball descend and welcome in the New Year? After all, those people all have to be somewhere the next day, right? And there they were ... seeing the sights on Fifth Avenue just like we were!

But who can resist with some of the gorgeous buildings that were still decked out in their holiday finery? Like the House of Versace ...

... which is right next door to Cartier Jewelers (both places I will never ever step foot in as I doubt I could even afford to breath the air in either place!).

There's also this beautiful building (which houses I'm not sure what!) with its big snowflakes that I'm sure look fantastic lit up at night ...

... and, even though it wasn't decorated (scaffolding seriously does not count!) there's the renowned Saint Patrick's Cathedral whose cornerstone was laid in 1858 and massive doors swept open in 1879.

Upon its opening, Saint Patrick's was declared to be “the noblest temple ever raised in any land to the memory of St. Patrick, and as the glory of Catholic America” and it's pretty easy to see why people thought that way!

Just down Fifth Avenue a bit is the equally beautiful St. Thomas Church which was built in the French High Gothic style of architecture. The current church is actually the fourth building in the history of the Episcopal New York parish's history and was completed in 1913.

I wish that I could have gotten some pictures of the entire church but the crowds made it downright impossible to get more than a couple of shots of the entryways and some of the carvings that adorn the outside of the building.

Apparently guided tours are given each Sunday after the 11:00 a.m. worship service so I'm thinking I need to get a Sunday off at some point and head to New York to go to church so that I can see the beauty that is the inside of St. Thomas as well as listen to the music from the Chancel and Gallery organs that I'm sure is nothing short of heavenly.

Truth be told, I'm not a religious person (I prefer to think of myself as a believer and keeper of the faith without the trappings of organized religion) but I do appreciate the architecture and beauty that went into the houses of worship that people used to build. It's often been said "to God be the glory" and St. Thomas, as well as St. Patrick's Cathedral, certainly does give glory to God.

I'll be wrapping up our visit to New York with some final pictures tomorrow - hope you'll come back to check them out!

Great photos of beautiful structures. I've been to both churches...and would love to go back, now that we have reached the digital age. I was there in '84 in both churches, but with no camera:-( And I drove in the city, with a good navigator. It wasn't any worse than driving in Atlanta, where we used to live.

I want to go to NYC now!!! The architecture on those churches are amazing, especially the Gothic style ones. Like you, I'm not a religious person although I do believe and even though I don't usually attend church, I would love to attend one there in one of those awesome churches!! Gorgeous pictures as usual. xoxo